ELTHAM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 June 1924, Page 4

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent). SHOPPING HOURS. The Eltham Chamber of Commerce have been making representation to the Minister of Uabour with regard to employment of assistants on one extra late night during Christmas and New Yea, r weeks, and requesting that the law be .so amended as to allow this to be done. It appears that the law as it stands allows shopkeepers to keep their shops open on an extra late nigh' during the week above mentioned, but does not allow the employment of assistants. The Eltham Chamber has received support from almost every Chamber of Commerce' in New Zealand in their request to have the law amended, and it is intended to push the matter still further, and, if possible, have the necessity legislation effected. The Minister of .Labour (Mr Anderson), in replying to the Eltham Chamber on the subject, stated: “I have to point out that last year I endeavoured to obtain legislation of this nature, but the Labour Bills Committee would not agree to it. In these circumstances I cannot hold out. any hope of my being more successful this year, and can only suggest that those interested should petition the House on the subject. I may say that in reply to representations made to me in other parts of the country for similar legislation, I have advised the adoption oi the course whicli I now suggest shunld be followed by your chamber.” THE NEW SCHOOL. The chairman of the Eltham School Committee (Mr Ira J. Bridgor) yesterday sent the following telegram to the Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister for Education, Wellington : “ When may we expect commencement of new school promised after March this year. Establishment of science classes in technical building necessitates the accommodation of all primary classes in old school, thus creating extreme difficulties.” The Minister replied as follows: “Your telegram to hand. It is the Cabinet which authorises large grants for buildings, and not the Minister. Your application will be placed in order of urgency before Cabinet at an early date, and I will acquaint you with decision.” Mr O. J. Hawken, M.P. for Egmont, has alsc. wen energetically interesting himself in this matter, and has received the following communication from the Minister, dated 11th inst-.: “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th inst. regarding the rebuilding of a portion of the Eltham school. In -reply I have to say that the Department has written, to the Board asking for further information. This should he to hand shortly, and the matter of a grant will then receive early consideration. In the meantime you may accept my assurance that I am favourably disposed to beginning a new building on the new site, but am awaiting a recommendation from the Department, which I expect in .a few days.”